Wade is the first former MU player to win multiple titles. He averaged 22.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game in the five-game finals series.

Prior to Thursday night, the most recent alum to claim the world title was Doc Rivers, who guided the Boston Celtics to the 2007-08 championship in his fourth year as head coach with the franchise. Former standout Dean Meminger appeared in 80 games for the New York Knicks in 1972-73 and became the first former Marquette player to earn a ring.

Dean Meminger appeared in 80 games for the Knicks in 1972-73, averaging 5.7 points and 2.9 rebounds per contest.

Maurice Lucas played a key role in the 1977 title claimed by Portland, contributing 20.2 points and 11.4 rebounds per game.

With rookie Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar garnering most of the headlines, Jim Chones and Butch Lee both contributed to the Lakers' title run in 1979-80. Chones appeared in all 82 games and Lee came off the bench, including key playoff action.

Dwyane Wade captured MVP honors in the NBA finals in 2005-06, helping Miami to the championship. He averaged 34.7 points and 7.8 rebounds per game in that six-game span. He captured another title in 2011-12.

In his fourth season with the Celtics as head coach, Doc Rivers guided the team to its first title in 22 seasons in 2007-08.